Management & Operations

BART worker costs rise as pay stays flat

SAN FRANCISCO — San Jose Mercury News reported that, according to its research, while Bay Area Rapid Transit District’ s (BART) operating revenues climbed 11.5% in the last three years while its health care and pension costs rose nearly 35%. According to payroll data reviewed by the paper, BART's total cost per employee appears to be the highest among major transit systems in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Meanwhile, worker salaries have remained roughly flat for more than three years. Health care and pension expenses are also eating into money budgeted for upgrades to expand service, including $1.9 billion needed to buy new railcars. For the full story, click here.

The total purchase price is about $1.8 billion, including assumed debt. Wabtec plans to fund the cash portion of the transaction with cash on hand, existing credit facilities and potentially other debt financing.

The transportation agency’s search firm posted a job advertisement online last week that outlined a compensation package of $319,000 in base salary, a bonus of up to 30%, a $14,000 transportation allowance and a $1,200 parking allowance.